View full sizeTravis Hafner of the New York Yankees tips his cap during introductions before the Cleveland Indians' home opener.John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Yankees designated hitter Travis Hafner returned to Progressive Field as a visitor on Monday for the first time in 11 years.

He brought a balloon-busting sledgehammer.

Hafner ripped a three-run homer to center in the first inning to help the Yankees spoil the Indians' home opener, 11-6.

Hafner had not been a visitor at the ballpark since Aug. 9-11, 2002, when he was a prospect with the Texas Rangers. In that three-game series, he went 6-for-11 with two doubles, one homer -- the first of his career -- and three RBI.

On Monday, in the first of a four-game series, he was 2-for-3 with two walks, four RBI and three runs. The only pitcher to solve the Pronk riddle was Tribe closer Chris Perez, who induced a sharp grounder to second baseman Jason Kipnis in shallow right field in the ninth.

When Hafner was introduced as part of the starting lineup during pregame ceremonies, he received a strong ovation. He tipped his cap multiple times.

"That was awesome," he said. "It's something I'll never forget. I want to thank the fans."

Then Pronk went to work ruining the afternoon for many of them.

With two on and one out in the first, Hafner stepped in against right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez. Hafner got ahead in the count, 2-0. Jimenez threw a 90-mph fastball, low and over the plate. Hafner redirected it into the foliage, an estimated 410 feet.

Cheers turned to boos in a hurry.

"Being ahead in the count, I was able to look for a certain pitch," he said.

The homer was Hafner's 203rd career and 100th at Progressive Field. He trails only Jim Thome (190) and Manny Ramirez (132) on the Progressive Field long-ball list.

The Indians acquired Hafner from Texas in December 2002. He hit 200 homers in his Tribe tenure, but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential after 2007. From 2008 through 2012, he appeared in no more than 118 games in one season.

Last season, Hafner hit .228 with 12 homers in 66 games. The Indians bought out the final year of his contract for $2.75 million. The Indians were among the clubs to express at least mild interest in free-agent Hafner. He spoke with Tribe General Manager Chris Antonetti a few times.

"There wasn't a point when I did or didn't think I'd be back," he said. "I didn't know what to expect. We didn't hear much until January, then it started to pick up a little bit."

A call from the Yankees got his full attention.

"I talked to a lot of people, and it seemed like a great fit for me," he said. "The franchise, the ballpark. I'd get the chance to play with Hall of Famers and really good leaders. Those were things I was really looking forward to."

Hafner did not mind walking into the pressure cooker that is New York, where the smallest happenings are scrutinized.

"The transition has been really good," said Hafner, who is reunited with former Indians lefty CC Sabathia. "The guys on the team have been great. I love it here."

A leaner Hafner took the field this season. He shed 15 pounds in spring training. The retooled physique and a simplified swing have helped him hit .391 (9-for-23) with two homers, six RBI and six runs in seven games. He narrowly has missed several homers.

"I'm just trying to make it as easy on my back and knees as possible," he said of the weight loss. "I feel good physically."

Pronk is happy to be playing for the Yankees and happy for his team of the previous 10 seasons. As Hafner secured a one-year, $2 million contract with the Yankees, he kept close tabs on the Indians. He and his family have a home in Northeast Ohio, so it was easy to do. As a fan of the Indians when they don't play the Yankees, Hafner was encouraged by how ownership and the front office reshaped the roster.

"I think it was a little surprising, but they obviously had a great off-season," he said. "It was important for them to do because they were able to get a buzz going in the town again and generate interest in the team. They made good decisions. It's good to see them doing well."

The Indians' game last Tuesday in Toronto marked the first time since 2002 that Hafner was not in their Opening Day lineup.

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